Actors for change: The growth of human rights institutions

Defending human rights has a new tool in its arsenal. More than 100 national institutions have emerged in recent years to protect the rights of vulnerable groups. They are increasingly active in a wide range of human rights causes, from the prevention of torture and discrimination to conflict resolution.

The StoryWhat does an improved status of the Tsaatan minority in Mongolia have in
common with the rescue of child soldiers in Uganda, the probe into
decades-old cases of forced disappearances in Mexico or documents on the
training of police in Northern Ireland? All of these examples reflect a
promising trend – a growing role and effectiveness of national institutions
for the promotion and protection of human rights. “Building strong human
rights institutions at the country level is what in the long run will ensure
that human rights are protected and advanced in a sustained manner,”
Secretary-General Kofi Annan stressed in a 2002 report. And that’s what –
away from the media spotlight – appears to be happening.

Since the UN
General Assembly unanimously adopted in 1993 the so-called Paris Principles
-- minimum standards concerning national human rights institutions – many
countries have worked with the UN to establish or enhance such bodies. What
often goes unnoticed, however, is that these institutions, already numbering
more than 100, are increasingly active in a wide range of human rights
causes.

The Context

The majority of existing national institutions can be grouped in two
broad categories: “human rights commissions” and “ombudsmen.” Less common,
but no less important, are the “specialized” national institutions which
function to protect the rights of a particular vulnerable group.

Such national institutions are not set up to replace the UN human
rights organs or non-governmental organizations working in the same area.
Their role is complementary, and a strengthening of such institutions can
only enhance the effectiveness of both national and international human
rights machinery.

In January 2005, the Independent Human Rights Commission of Afghanistan
launched a report, A Call to Justice. Thanks to this bold initiative, for
the first time Afghans were asked to express their views on vital issues of
peace, security and justice.

The Danish Institute for Human Rights is creating a knowledge database
to raise awareness of the specific impact and consequences of anti-terrorism
legislation.

The official probe into the forced disappearance of 532 people in
Mexico during the 70’s and early 80’s had limited results until the Mexican
National Human Rights Commission intervened and was able to throw light on
that tragic episode.

Established as an outcome of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement 1998,
the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has investigated and supported
through courts key cases on issues covering all political and religious
viewpoints.

The National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia has made a significant
contribution to securing the rights of the Tsaatans, the smallest ethnic
minority in the country, residing in an isolated mountainous area.

Despite the challenges of working in conflict areas, the Ugandan Human
Rights Commission has investigated reports of recruitment of child soldiers
and made recommendations on their reintegration into society.

The National Human Rights Commission in India has been making efforts
to create an environment in which economic, social and cultural rights could
be better promoted and protected.

For further informationOffice of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
Orest Nowosad, Coordinator, National Institutions Unit,
Capacity Building and Field Operations Branch Tel. +41 22 917 92 23, E-mail:
onowosad@ohchr.org